18
view . spring 2009
The Windsor Lancers Men’s
Hockey team hit the ice
in 2009 with a renewed appreciation of all that life has to
offer after a visit to New Orleans during the holiday break.
In December, the Lancers went to New Orleans to
assist in a building project that affected areas devastated
by Hurricane Katrina and, most recently, Hurricane Gustav.
Arriving on Boxing Day, the Lancers shared their time
between Our Lady of the
Sea Catholic Elementary
school and Habitat for
Humanity.
Considered one of
the hardest hit areas by
Hurricane Katrina, the
school is in a relatively
poor community and has
received the least help
from outside agencies. The
team painted classrooms,
replaced large numbers of
broken windows, removed
soiled ceiling tiles, and disconnected five damaged heavy-
duty air conditioning units and hauled them away.
The school’s pastor is hoping money will be made
available within the next three months to begin total
restoration of the school.
The last half of their visit was spent in Harvey, LA,
working for Habitat for Humanity. The Lancers laid lawn
sod for nine homes, built fences and decks and completed
any task the site leader assigned them.
Team members said the work was particularly
rewarding because they were putting the final touches on
the homes prior to the owners moving in.
“This project has been one of the most gratifying
experiences I have ever participated in,” said Lancer
captain Kyle Nishizaki. “To
help out so many people
in need, and to see the
smiles that spread across
their faces as they saw
their houses being finished
is something I am always
going to remember.”
“This experience
surpassed our expectations
and we have gained a
greater perspective of
challenges that others are
dealing with,” said Head
Coach Kevin Hamlin. “We worked on new homes with
others next door that had green water marks as high as
the eaves-troughs. To think families were forced to leave
everything and evacuate was quite humbling.”
“I am very proud of our team’s efforts while in New
Orleans,” he added. “Our players have come home with a
new sense of what is important in life.”
LANCER HOCKEY GIVES BACK TO HURRICANE
VICTIMS IN NEW ORLEANS
LANCER
NEWS
SCORE BOARD
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By Elisa Mitton BComm ’05
Windsor Lancers Men’s Hockey team captain Kyle Nishizaki.
